How to Repair, Improve and Modify
the Steering on a Cub Cadet Garden Tractor
Where Science and Common Sense Come Together for Better Performance
Last update: 9/2/18 (Click Refresh to see changes or updates.) Optimized for 1024 x 768 screen resolution. To search for a word or phrase in any of my web sites, press CTRL+F to open the Find dialog box in your web browser.
When building a garden tractor for pulling, it's best to remove and disassemble everything. (This is much easier to do on a platform work table.) Clean and inspect all the parts for wear, especially the steering parts. This is one area a lot of people overlook. Steering is very important, especially in pulling, and should never be overlooked or neglected. Loose or worn steering parts can be dangerous. A puller may just tighten the steering box adjustments, inspect the tie rod ends and that's it. But there's more to it than just making adjustments...
Replace
that worn, cracked (and not to mention unsightly and plain/boring looking!)
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) steering wheel with an attractive,
hot rod/automotive-style, small diameter (10" or 12")
custom steering wheel or a
chrome spoke steering wheel! A custom or chrome spoke steering
wheel will improve the overall appearance of the entire tractor. An adapter
hub and steering wheel are available at most auto supply parts stores and
on eBay. The only automotive custom steering wheel installation adapter kit
I found that fits close on a Cub Cadet steering splined shaft is a universal
one made for most General Motors cars and trucks from 1949 to 1994 without
telescopic steering. The GM adapter center spline has the correct diameter,
but the number of splines are not a perfect fit, so it will need to be gently
tapped onto the Cub Cadet steering shaft. Or instead of using an adapter
kit, the splined hub from an old GM steering wheel can be used on a Cub Cadet.
But the three small holes in the hub will need to be enlarged and tapped
for three 1/4" bolts for installation of the custom steering wheel. Or if
you don't want to use the GM adapter, the splined hub from an old Cub Cadet
steering wheel with the spokes cut off, and a large flat washer (with three
tapped 1/4" bolt holes for installation of the custom steering wheel) welded
to the adapter can be used.
How to Remove the Steering Wheel from a Cub Cadet or virtually any garden tractor with a ROSS Steering Assembly -
-
There are several methods to remove the steering wheel from a Cub Cadet or
virtually any garden tractor with the ROSS steering assembly:
-
DO NOT STRIKE THE SPLINED SHAFT WITH A BIG HAMMER
TO REMOVE THE STEERING WHEEL! Doing this could cause the internal threads
in the lower part of the aluminum steering box to split and crack the case,
or the bottom of the box might break off later, which could be very dangerous
in pulling because the tractor could go out of control.
- Install the steering wheel retaining nut 90% on the threads of the splined steering shaft and while pulling upward on the steering wheel (help may be needed), give the nut a short blast with an air chisel.
-
If the above È will not
work, use a bearing separator with a steering wheel puller or an automotive
harmonic balancer/vibration damper puller tool, and to save the old steering
wheel, make sure the jaws of a gear puller won't break or crack the plastic.
- If the above won't work either, the splined hub will have to be heated or cut off with a torch to get it off the splined shaft. Be careful not to damage the splined shaft!
-
è
(Added 9/2/18) As the last resort, if the steering shaft
must be cut-off (with a hacksaw) next to the steering wheel, it can be repaired
with a steering shaft (that's in good condition) out of a 1949 to 1994 GM
car or truck. Only a short section of the splined end of the shaft will need
to be used. The shaft next to the splines will need to be machined down to
fit inside the OEM Cub Cadet [hollow] steering shaft, then the GM shaft can
be pressed inside the ROSS shaft with an 1/8" gap. Fill in the gap with welding
around where the two shafts come together. The lump of weld will need to
be either machined (in a metal lathe; for a solid metal bushing) or ground
down (for a ball bearing) so the upper bushing or bearing will fit on the
shaft. The center hub from an OEM GM steering wheel or a custom steering
wheel adapter hub will need to be used.
-
- Once the steering wheel is removed, point the front tires forward, fasten the splined adapter on the steering shaft (with the choice of hardware below Ê), then fasten the steering wheel with the adapter facing in the straight ahead position.
-
Install the three 1/4" bolts from the bottom up, install the steering wheel,
then install
stainless steel acorn nuts with a split lock washer to
the bolts (studs) to fasten the steering wheel for a nice looking and
(rust-proof) professional look. Then to hide the (unsightly) large center
retaining nut, install a 15/16"
stainless steel lug nut cover. These are made for semi
tractor-trailers, which are available at most truck stops and on eBay. Or,
to hide the three bolts and retaining nut, install a
chrome-plated universal custom
automotive horn button (center cap). To do this, machine a large flat washer
in a metal lathe so the washer will be slightly larger than the inside diameter
of the horn button. Fasten the washer in the steering wheel to the three
1/4" bolts with a couple of stacked smaller flat washers under the large
washer. Snap the horn button onto the washer and that's it! Snap the horn
button onto the washer and that's it!
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How To Fix Loose or "Sloppy" Steering Parts -
To improve the steering on an IH Cub Cadet, is to remove, disassemble, clean, inspect, repair as necessary, reassemble, adjust, then lubricate the steering box unit with automotive grease through the grease (Zerk) fitting. By the way - adjustments are made much easier with the steering Box Assembly out of the tractor.
Don't Be A Slob When Rebuilding A Steering Unit!
Always be professional whenever building or rebuilding anything! Before reassembling a steering unit, always take the time to provide a neat and absolutely clean work environment. Make sure that your tools, shop/business towels, steering parts and hands are clean, too. Don't allow any dust or dirt to enter the work bench or table, including the steering box and it's parts. If necessary, place the parts on a large, clean cloth or cardboard to keep them clean and organized until they're ready to be installed. The reason everything should be kept as clean as possible is because even the smallest bit of dirt inside a steering box will "grind away" at the internal parts, causing unnecessary wear.
How to remove the steering box/column unit from the tractor - (This is much easier to do on a platform work table.)
- Disconnect the battery.
- Remove the steering wheel. Despite how rusted-on or stuck-in-place it may be, the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) steering wheel MUST come off before the steering box can be removed from the tractor.
- Remove the mower deck (if equipped).
- Remove the tie-rod end that's connected to the pitman arm plate (steering lever).
- Remove the two 9/16" bolts that fastens the steering box to the cross-member of the frame.
- The steering unit then slides out from under the tractor.
How to disassemble the steering unit -
- Remove the pitman arm plate and shaft.
- Remove the cotter pin from the end cap.
- Remove the end cap with a large flat screwdriver or flat ratchet tool by turning it counterclockwise.
- Pull or slide the shaft out of the steering box. Use caution not to lose any of the ball bearings!
- Clean and inspect everything. Observe the metal bearing retainers for cracks or breakage. Replace if necessary.
How to reassemble the steering unit -
- Install the ball bearings in the nylon retainers. Apply lubricating grease on the balls to hold them in the nylon retainers so they won't fall out upon installation on the steering shaft.
- Install the ball bearings on the steering shaft with the metal retainers to hold them in place.
- Carefully slide the shaft through the steering box and column until it's bottomed out. Make sure no balls have fallen out of their retainers.
- Install the adjusting plug, and tighten it until it's bottomed out. With Vise-Grips on the splined end of the steering shaft, rotate the shaft in full rotation to assure smoothness with no looseness or binding.
- If the shaft feels like it's somewhat difficult to rotate in either direction, back the adjusting plug off until one of the notches match the hole for the cotter pin, and rotate the shaft in full rotation again. If it rotates smoothly with no looseness or binding, install the cotter pin. Back off the adjusting plug until the notch is against the cotter pin.
- Pump fresh lubricating grease in the steering box and on/around the steering worm gear. Fill it up with grease.
- If it isn't already installed, install the steering cam follower and locknut in the pitman arm plate.
- Install the pitman arm plate and shaft, flat thrust washer and one adjusting nut.
- Tighten down the adjusting nut until it's bottomed out and back it off an 1/8 of a turn. Install the other jam/lock nut and tighten it against the adjusting nut, making sure the adjusting nut doesn't turn.
- Tighten down the steering cam follower until it's bottomed out in the steering worm gear groove and back it off about an 1/8 of a turn.
- With Vise-Grips on the splined end of the steering shaft, rotate the shaft in full rotation. If binding occurs or if it feels a little too loose, adjust the steering cam follower until it feels satisfactory. But make the adjustment so the steering is a little "stiff", but not too tight. Because somehow, if it's adjusted too tight, it will stay too tight, and if it's adjusted "loose", it will loosen up more overtime. There is no way to prevent this. If the shaft rotates smoothly with no looseness or binding, tighten the jam/lock nut, making sure the steering cam follower doesn't turn.
- Pump a few ounces of fresh automotive chassis lube through the grease (Zerk) fitting to make sure the unit is full.
- That's it! The steering unit is now assembled, lubricated and adjusted!
NOTE: If new internal steering box parts are needed in a rebuild, you can get them at virtually any Cub Cadet dealer. Most John Deere lawn & garden service centers and parts stores offers the same parts for the steering box in their models 110, 112, 120, 140, 200, 210, 212, 214, 216, 300, 312, 316 and 317. The steering box in these tractors, which is made by ROSS, are very similar to the ones used in the IH Cub Cadet, except for the mounting holes. The internal parts are basically the same, but new John Deere parts are more expensive than new Cub Cadet parts.
Ever had the steering column (long tube) get pulled out of the steering box on a Cub Cadet? Well, doing the below Ê will guarantee that it will never get pulled out again -
- Remove the steering box/column assembly from the tractor.
- Disassemble the entire steering box assembly.
-
If the tube fits somewhat loose in the steering box, it can be expanded with
use of an
automotive exhaust pipe expander/spreader tool. (Available
at virtually any auto parts store and on eBay.)
- Apply Clear RTV Silicone Adhesive Sealant on the tube to prevent water and dirt from entering the steering box, then install it in the box until it bottoms out.
- Drill four 1/8" holes spaced 90° apart through the steering box and into the tube.
- Install 1/8" diameter x 3/8" length pop-rivets to permanently secure the tube to the steering box.
- If the upper part of the steering box is cracked where the tube goes into, install a 2" worm gear hose clamp, or better yet, use a 1-7/8" automotive exhaust pipe U-bolt clamp to close the crack up, and secure the tube to the box as described above È.
- Clean the metal drilling from the steering box and tube, and reassemble the unit using lubricating grease and make the necessary adjustments.
NOTE: If the upper part of the steering tube becomes damaged from removing the steering wheel, it can be straightened back to its original shape with the automotive exhaust pipe expander/spreader tool and a 2-3 lb. hammer. The internal steering shaft must be removed, so the tool will work.
How to "Tighten" a Worn Tie Rod End -
- Remove the tie rod end from the tractor.
- Thread a grade 8, 3/8" fine thread bolt into the tie rod and securely clamp the bolt in a bench vise.
- With the base of the tie rod resting on the jaws of the vise (to prevent bending the bolt), pound the end of the tie rod end with a medium size hammer until the ball is snug in the socket.
- Lubricate the ball with ordinary motor oil.
- Reinstall tie rod end on tractor, adjust toe-in.
If a tie rod end is badly worn and performing
the above È doesn't "tighten" it, and
you have doubts that it may fail in the future, then by all means, replace
it with a known good used one or a new one. Actually, for heavy lawn and
garden use or for a pulling tractor, it's best to use aircraft-quality ball-joint
ends (Heim joints) with a flat washer and rubber dust/dirt shields installed.
Advertisement:
If you would like to purchase any of the parts or services listed
below Ê, or virtually any product or
service mentioned in this website, please contact A-1 Miller's Performance
Enterprises | 1501 W. Old Plank Rd. | Columbia, MO (Missouri) 65203-9136
USA |  Phone: 1-573-256-0313
(shop) | 1-573-881-7229 (cell). Please call Monday-Friday, except holidays,
9am to 5pm, Central time zone. If no answer, please try again later. (When
speaking with Brian, please be patient because I stutter.) A-1 Miller's
shop is open to the public from 9am to 5pm, including weekends, except holidays.
Please call before coming so I'll be here waiting for your arrival.
 E-mail:
pullingtractor@aol.com.
Directions to our shop |
1501 West Old Plank Road, Columbia, MO - Google Maps or
Map of 1501 West Old Plank
Road, Columbia, MO by MapQuest.
Please click here
to place an order. |
 3/8" Diameter x 1-1/2"
length Spiral Pins for OEM 3-pin clutch drive plate and [narrow frame
Cub Cadet] drag link steering arm. Hardened carbon steel. Minimum Rockwell
hardness is C42. NOTE: The holes in the drag link arm and spindle may
need to be drilled exactly to 3/8" (.375") for this pin to fit.
$3.00 each, plus shipping & handling. |
 Steering Box Assembly Rebuild
Service for all models of IH Cub Cadet "Original", IH- and MTD-built (CCC)
Cub Cadet, Ford LGT, Jacobsen, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, MTD Farm King,
Snapper, Wheel Horse and various other makes and models of garden tractors
with the CCC or ROSS aluminum housing steering box. Rebuild service
includes: completely disassemble steering Box Assembly, clean and inspect
all parts, replace or repair anything that's worn, reassemble, lubricate,
then make necessary adjustments to all moving parts so it'll provide many
years of trouble-free service. NOTE: The Easy Steer
Upgrade Kit will NOT work on the steering box with the pivot shaft bolt NOT
welded to the steering arm in MTD-built Cub Cadet models 782, 784, 786, 1340,
1440, 1535, 1541, 1810, 1811, 1861, 1863, 1912 and 1914 because the protruding
threads are too short.
Rebuilt IH Cub Cadet Steering Box Assemblies. Fits all IH-built Cub Cadet garden tractors, except Cub Cadet "Original" and Cub Lo-Boy. (When available.)
Rebuilt IH Cub Cadet "Original" Steering Box Assemblies. (When available.)
|
 "Easy Steer" Upgrade Kit.
Makes for smoother, effortless and easier steering. Fits all IH- and certain
MTD-built Cub Cadet, John Deere, Massey Ferguson, Ford LGT, Jacobsen, MTD
Farm King, Wheel Horse and various other makes and models of garden tractors
with the CCC or ROSS aluminum housing steering box, except Cub Lo-Boy.
Provides slightly less effort when steering tractor. Each kit includes new
high quality pre-lubricated sealed thrust ball bearing and nylon-insert lock
nut. Replaces OEM double
jam nuts
and
thrust
washer on 5/8" or 3/4" diameter pitman arm stud. Install bearing with
shielding (wording on bearing) against steering box, and tighten nut to remove
looseness, then back off until pitman arm rotates freely without binding.
NOTE: The Easy Steer Upgrade Kit will NOT work on the
steering box with the pivot shaft bolt NOT welded to the steering arm in
MTD-built Cub Cadet models 782, 784, 786, 1340, 1440, 1535, 1541, 1810, 1811,
1861, 1863, 1912 and 1914 because the protruding threads are too short.
|
 Teflon Thrust Washers for Steering Knuckles (Front Spindles)
on Cub Cadet "Original" and Cub Cadet garden tractors. Makes for smoother,
effortless and easier steering. Fits Cub Cadet models 70, 71, 72, 73, 86,
100, 102, 104, 108, 109, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 147, 149,
169, 482, 580, 582, 582 Special, 680, 682, 782, 800, 882, 982, 984, 986,
1000, 1050, 1202, 1204, 1210, 1250, 1450, 1650, 1282, 1340, 1440, 1450, 1512,
1535, 1541, 1572, 1604, 1606, 1641, 1650, 1710, 1711, 1712, 1772, 1782, 1806,
1810, 1811, 1812, 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, 1864, 1872, 1882, 1912, 1914, 2072,
2082, 2086, 2182 and 2284, and various other makes and models of garden tractors
with 3/4", 7/8" or 1" diameter front spindle shafts. Made of very tough and
slippery
polytetrafluoroethylene
(PTFE) plastic material. Eliminates metal to metal friction, resulting
in hard steering, reduces steering effort about 85% and prevents wear to
axle and steering knuckles. Works great for general lawn and garden use,
and/or tractors with a snow plow and/or front loading bucket. Installs where
steering knuckles makes contact with underneath of axle (load-bearing and
friction area).
|
 Complete Lower Steering Box
Bearing and Cup/Race Kit. Fits all models of IH- and MTD-built (CCC) Cub
Cadet, Cub Lo-Boy models 154, 184 and 185, Ford LGT, Jacobsen, John Deere,
Massey Ferguson, MTD Farm King, Snapper, Wheel Horse, and various other makes
and models of garden tractors with the CCC or ROSS aluminum housing
steering box. Kit includes (16) 5/16" diameter steel balls, two nylon retainers
and two .870" i.d. x 1.500" o.d. hardened steel cups/races. FYI - I've
researched all models of the IH- and MTD-built Cub Cadet steering boxes,
and they all use the same bearing/race kit and all dimensions are the same.
Replaces John Deere part # AM31924 and OEM Cub Cadet part # 941-3021 (w/o
races). OEM Cub Cadet part # IH-71930-C91.
|
 Foam Rubber Dust/Grease
Seal. Fits IH- and MTD-built Cub Cadet garden tractors, Ford LGT, Jacobsen,
John Deere, Massey Ferguson, MTD Farm King, Snapper, Wheel Horse and various
other makes and models of garden tractors with the CCC or ROSS aluminum housing
steering box. Will not fit Cub Cadet "Original" or IH Cub Lo-Boy. Cub Cadet
part #'s IH-376478-R91 and IH-394936-R91 no longer available.
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New
New   Cam
Follower (Steering Pin). Fits Cub Cadet models 72, 73, 86, 104, 105, 106,
107, 108, 109, certain 122's and 123's, 124, 125, 126, 127, 147, 482, 582,
682, 782, 800, 1000, 1200, 1250, 1450 and 1650. Dimensions: 1/2-20 UNF (fine
thread) threads x 1.740"± overall length. Can be used as an alternative
for cam followers above È (aftermarket
and IH-379992-R1). Cam follower does not come with jam nut.
New  Cam Follower (Steering Pin). Fits Cub Cadet models 982, 984,
986, 1050, 1204, 1210, 1211, 1340, 1440, 1535, 1541, 1641, 1806, 1810, 1811,
1812, 1860, 1861, 1863, 1912 and 1914. Dimensions: 9/16-18 UNF (fine thread)
threads x 1.750"± overall length. Cam followers does not come with jam
nut.
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| Upper Steering Shaft Bushings and Bearings -
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  Steering Wheel Retaining Nut and Flat Washer. Nylon insert
zinc-plated steel locknut; will not loosen under normal circumstances. Fits
Cub Cadet and other makes and models of garden tractors with 5/8-18 UNF (fine
thread) threads on steering shaft. Washer goes under nut to evenly distribute
load.
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  Bronze Front Axle
Bushings for Garden Tractors with 3/4" or 1" Diameter Front Spindles. Use
to replace existing worn bushings or repair worn (oblong) axle spindle holes
when no bushings exist. If replacing existing bushings, accurately measure
the i.d. x o.d. x length of bushings for replacements of same size. But if
no bushings originally came in the axle, then axle holes must be professionally
precision-aligned bored (machined) to accept these bushings. NOTE: If
no grease (Zerk) fittings are installed in
the axle to lubricate the spindle shafts and for easier steering, it'll be
a good idea to install these, too.
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 Grease
(Zerk) Fittings. Use a 1/4-28 UNF (fine thread) hand tap to cut new
threads for installation of a new fitting.
Click here to learn
how to professionally drill for and cut new threads.
Return To Previous Section
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  Heavy duty tie rod ends with integrated rubber dust seal. Very
strong. Dust seal extends life of tie rod end. Most common direct replacements
found on most lawn and garden tractors. Can be used on most garden tractors,
go-karts, mini-rods, custom automotive transmission shifter linkage ends,
etc.
Other sizes and styles of tie rod ends and Heim joints are available. Available in various styles, sizes and materials. Please contact us if you're interested in any of these parts or services. |
 Fabricate steering link for
your tractor. $20.00 each for parts & labor, plus shipping &
handling. Depending on customer's preference, price does not include tie
rod ends or ball joint ends (Heim joints). |
  Do-It-Yourself Weld-In Front Spindle Shafts to lower the front
of wide and spread frame Cub Cadet models 86, 108, 109, 128, 129, 149, 169,
582, 582 Special, 680, 682, 782, 800, 882, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1200, 1204,
1210, 1211, 1250, 1282, 1450, 1512, 1535 or 1650 as much as 2-3/8" for better
weight transfer in competition pulling. Can also be used to construct custom
front axles, such as for a mini-rod pulling tractor. Stub (shank) length
is 3-1/4" (for wheels with 3" width hub), but available in any length to
accommodate the width of the hub in your front wheels. To install, cut
off original spindle shafts flush with steering knuckle, and drill a 3/4"
hole in steering knuckles ± 2-3/8"
higher than where the original shafts was. Replacement spindle shafts will
need to be positioned perpendicular (exact 90° angle) with steering
knuckle, then securely weld to backside of knuckle for non-interference with
spacing of rim.
Installation Service -
Install weld-in spindle shafts in YOUR steering knuckles to lower front of
tractor ± 2-3/8" for wide or spread
frame Cub Cadet model 86, 108, 109, 128, 129, 149, 169, 582, 582 Special,
680, 682, 782, 800, 882, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1200, 1204, 1210, 1211, 1250,
1282, 1450, 1512, 1535 or 1650. An innovative concept by Brian Miller,
because nobody else advertise this service.
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 Installation Service
-
Weld brace to reinforce spindle shafts for your Cub Cadet model Cub Cadet
model 70, 71, 72, 73, 100, 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126,
127, 147, 982, 984, 986, 1340, 1440, 1535, 1541, 1572, 1772, 1782, 1861,
1863, 1864, 1872, 1882, 1912, 1914, 2072, 2082, 2084, 2086, 2182, 2284, 1860
or 1862. An innovative concept by Brian Miller, because nobody else advertise
this service.
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Fits steering Box Assemblies originally installed in Cub Cadet
"Original" and Cub Cadet models 70, 71, 100, 102, 122 and 123, and various
other makes and models of garden tractors with bearing retainer (metal cap)
on end of steering column tube. OEM bearing retainer and bushing can be replaced
with flanged bushings and bearing below
Ê. Dimensions: 3/4" i.d. x 1.003" o.d.
x 3/4" height x 1-1/4" o.d. flange. No longer available from Cub Cadet. Replaces
Cub Cadet part # IH-866105-R1.
Fits steering Box Assemblies
originally installed in Cub Cadet models 72, 73, 86, 104, 105, 106, 107,
108, 109, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 147, 149, 169, 582, 680, 800, 982,
984, 986, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1250, 1450 and 1650, and various other makes
and models of garden tractors without metal cap (bearing retainer) on end
of steering column tube. Each can be used to replace OEM bearing retainer
and bushing on above È model steering
columns. Dimensions: 3/4" i.d. x 1-3/8" o.d. x 9/16" width x 1-1/2" o.d.
flange.
Flanged ball bearing. Makes
for smoother, effortless and easier steering. NOTE: End of steering column
must be crimped inward with large pliers so bushing will fit snug inside
tube. Has hardened, heated-treated steel races and balls, sealed on
both sides and pre-packed with grease so will last longer. Replaces Cub
Cadet 941-3023. $8.00 each, plus shipping & handling.
Heavy duty ball joint
ends (
Rubber Dust/Dirt Shields for
Heim joints above È. These are a cup-shaped
neoprene rubber seal bonded to an aircraft quality flat washer. Rubber fits
very tight against Heim joint to prevent dust, dirt, debris and moisture
from entering spherical ball. Extends the life of Heim joints. These fit
on both sides (top and bottom) of the spherical ball.
How to Fix a Loose-Fitting Drag Link Arm -
To fix a
loose-fitting drag link arm on the narrow frame Cub Cadet (models
70,
71,
72,
73,
100,
102,
104, 105,
106, 107,
122, 123,
124, 125,
126 and 147),
the hub must be "clamped" to the spindle. To do this...
- Remove the drag link arm from the spindle.
- Use a hacksaw to cut a couple of slots in the hub 90° in relation to the roll-pin holes. Cut the slots about 90% down into the hub.
- Place the arm on the spindle and drill through all three (roll-pin) holes with a 3/8" drill bit.
- Acquire a hardened (grade 8) 3/8" bolt, split lock washer and hardened (grade 8) nut. Make sure the bolt has an unthreaded (shouldered) portion the same width as the diameter of the hub.
- Install the bolt in the hub and spindle, then torque the nut to 35 ft. lbs. so the hub is squeezed onto the spindle. NOTE: clamping the hub may weaken the factory spot weld. Therefore, the hub may need to be re-welded to the arm.
How to Determine the OEM or Fabricated Length of the Tie Rod and/or Drag Link on Any Particular Make and Model of Garden Tractor:
- To determine the length of the tie rod (link that goes from one spindle to the other), position the front tires straight ahead (set the toe-end so the front tires are parallel), and measure between the bolt holes in the spindle arms.
- To determine the length of the drag link (link that goes between pitman arm to steering arm on spindle), position the front tire that the drag link is connected to straight ahead, center the steering wheel and measure between the bolt holes in the steering arm to the pitman arm.
- NOTE: IH Cub Cadet have a 1.75:1 steering ratio. To find the center of travel, place masking tape on the steering wheel, and rotate it one way to the extreme. Then return it with the tape being halfway of travel. Remove the tape and place it on the steering wheel facing forward and pitman arm facing straight down.
How to Lengthen the Drag Link (link that goes between pitman arm to steering arm on spindle) When the Front Axle is Repositioned Forward:
-
Measure
the distance the front axle was moved forward. Make a note of the measurement.
- Center the steering wheel with the pitman arm facing straight down.
- With the tires facing forward, measure the center to center distance between the holes in the pitman arm and drag link arm. Make a note of this measurement.
- Cut the OEM drag link in half as shown in the drawing to the right.
- Acquire some 1/2" i.d. x 5/8" o.d. steel tubing of the distance the front axle was moved forward, plus 6" lengthen than the distance. This is important!
- Slide 3" of each cut end of the drag link rod inside the tubing. For strength and minimize flexibility, make sure there's at least 3" of the rod inside the tubing on each end. If the rod won't fit, it may need to be ground down and/or pressed in.
- Adjust the overall length of the lengthened drag link by sliding the rods back and forth in the tubing until the drag link has the added difference of how far the axle have been moved forward.
- Weld the tubing to the rods. But first, double check the front tires for facing forward and centering of the drag link arm (steering wheel)!
- Grind the weld smooth, paint and that's it!
IH and MTD Cub Cadet Garden Tractor Models That Share the Same Front Axle -
Front Axle for IH Cub Cadet Narrow Frame Models 70, 71, 72, 73, 100, 102,
104, 105, 106, 107, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127 and 147. (Part # 959-3011)
Front Axle for IH Cub Cadet Wide and Spread Frame Models 86, 108, 109, 128,
129, 149, 169, 582, 582 Special, 680, 682, 782, 800, 882, 1000, 1050, 1100,
1200, 1204, 1210, 1211, 1250, 1282, 1450, 1512, 1535 and 1650. (Part #
759-3270)
Front Axle for IH and MTD Cub Cadet Spread Frame Models 982, 984, 986, 1572,
1772, 1782, 1872, 1882, 1912, 1914, 2072, 2082, 2084, 2086, 2182 and 2284.
(Part # 759-3271)
Front Axle for MTD Cub Cadet Spread Frame Models 1340, 1535, 1541, 1860 and
1862. (Part # 759-3549)
Front Axle for MTD Cub Cadet Spread Frame Models 1440, 1861, 1863 and 1864.
(Part # 719-3100)
How to Reinforce the Spindle Shafts (Steering Knuckles) on Cub Cadet Models 70, 71, 72, 73, 100, 102, 104, 105, 106, 107, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 147, 982, 984, 986, 1340, 1440, 1535, 1541, 1572, 1772, 1782, 1861, 1863, 1864, 1872, 1882, 1912, 1914, 2072, 2082, 2084, 2086, 2182, 2284, 1860 or 1862 -
If the front tires on the above
È Cub Cadet models look "dilapidated"
(the tops of the tires tilt inward), this means the spindle shafts are bent
from doing too many ground-pounding wheelies and weren't reinforced. If the
spindle shafts are bent, to prevent them from getting bent again...
- Heat the spindle shafts with an oxy-acetylene torch in a hydraulic press to reposition them so the tires will set perpendicular with the ground. Or re-angle the spindle shafts so the tops of the tires will tilt slightly outward for that "tough" look.
- Install the spindles on the axle, then the tires, and stand away from the front of the tractor to visually check that the tires are positioned perpendicular with the ground. Adjust if necessary.
- Remove spindles if necessary (this is much easier to do on a platform work table) and weld a 1/4" x 3/4" x 1-3/4" piece of mild steel (brace) in the bend section.
To fix worn holes for the spindles in the axle itself on a narrow frame Cub Cadet, the holes will need to be bored or reamed out and a couple of thin-wall bronze bushings pressed-in for the top and bottom ends of the hole.
How to Reposition the Front End 2-3/8" Lower on Cub Cadet Models 86, 108, 109, 128, 129, 149, 169, 582, 582 Special, 680, 682, 782, 800, 882, 1000, 1050, 1100, 1200, 1204, 1210, 1211, 1250, 1282, 1450, 1512, 1535 and 1650 -
-
Acquire a couple of grade 5
bolts, 3/4" diameter x 5" length.
- Measure from under the bolt head out 3-1/4", and cut off the bolt, creating a couple of stub shafts that's 3-1/4" length when measured from under the head. (Best to use a small horizontal bandsaw. Cut the threaded end off, but leave the head of the bolt intact.)
- Chuck each stub shaft in the jaws of a metal lathe and machine the bolt head so it'll be round. Shorten the height of the head to about 3/8" so it will not make contact with the axle when installed.
- Turn the stub shaft around (end for end) in the chuck and bore a hole in the end of each shaft for a 3/8-16 UNC (coarse thread) wheel retaining bolt and flat washer.
- Remove the steering knuckles from the axle. (This is much easier to do on a platform work table.)
- Cut off the original spindle shafts flush with the steering knuckle.
- Drill a 3/4" hole (for the new spindle/stub shafts) 2-3/8" from the center of the original spindle shaft.
- Install the stub shafts in the 3/4" holes and securely weld the rounded/shortened bolt heads to the backside of each steering knuckle. For the tires to set perpendicular with the ground, before welding, make sure the shafts are positioned perpendicular (90°) to the flat on the knuckles!
- Install the steering knuckles on the axle, then the tires, and stand back from the front of the tractor to visually check that the tires are positioned perpendicular with the ground. Adjust if necessary.
A Pivoting Axle Vs. a Solid-Mounted Axle for Competition Pulling?
I've seen modified garden tractors with a swivel front axle and I've seen some modifieds with a solid-mounted axle. And I noticed that one doesn't pull any better than the other. So it seems it's just the pullers' preference if he or she wants a swivel or solid front axle. And about the only way to fix the looseness of the center pivoting pin hole is to have the axle bored for installation of thin wall bronze bushings, like the ones used for king pins in truck front axles.
How to Repair Worn Pivot Pin Holes for the Front Axle -
Sometimes the pivoting pin in the center of the front axle will rust in place and then the pin will pivot in the holes in the support braces. When this happens, overtime the holes will become oblong and the axle will become unstable, causing sloppy steering. Well, to repair a tractor with worn pivot holes like the ones in the picture below Ê...
- Drill or ream the holes in the braces to exactly 1.000".
- Fabricate a steel reducer sleeve bushing (spacer) that measures 3/4" i.d. x 1.003" o.d. for a press-fit.
- Press each bushing in the holes of the braces. Make sure the bushings are aligned properly so the pin will rotate freely to prevent binding.
- Tack weld the edge of each bushing on the outside of the braces.
- The center line of the OEM hole in the bracket is 1-1/8" from the frame. But this will be altered due to the offset of the bushing.
If the center hole in an axle is worn, this can be repaired by first boring the hole for a press-fit steel sleeve and then bore the sleeve so a new center pin (or grade 8 or stainless steel bolt) will fit snug in it. Or, you can also bore the hole in the axle and support bracket with a 20 millimeter diameter (equal to .7874") drill bit or reamer and install a hardened 20 mm bolt. It'll be a lot less work to do just do this.
Advertisement:
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Phone: 1-573-256-0313 (shop)
| 1-573-881-7229 (cell). Please call Monday-Friday, except holidays, 9am
to 5pm, Central time zone. If no answer, please try again later. (When
speaking with Brian, please be patient because I stutter.) A-1 Miller's
shop is open to the public from 9am to 5pm, including weekends, except holidays.
Please call before coming so I'll be here waiting for your arrival.
E-mail:
pullingtractor@aol.com.
Directions to our shop |
1501 West Old Plank Road, Columbia, MO - Google Maps or
Map of 1501 West Old Plank
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not produce full power until it's broke-in. This is when the valves wear-in
with the seats to completely seal in the compression. The rings will likely
hold the compression, but the valves may leak slightly until they wear into
the seats. This is normal for all engines and may take several hours or pulls
to happen, then the valves will be able to hold full compression. Lots of
pullers tell me after I've built their engines that it seems to pull stronger
every time they pull it.
To place an order and/or for FREE professional technical assistance, please contact:
A-1 Miller's Performance Enterprises | 1501 W. Old Plank Rd. | Columbia,
MO (Missouri) 65203-9136 USA |
Phone: 1-573-256-0313 (shop) | 1-573-881-7229 (cell). Please call Monday-Friday
, except holidays, 9am to 5pm, Central time zone. If no answer, please try
again later. (When speaking with Brian, please be patient because I stutter.)
A-1 Miller's shop is open to the public from 9am to 5pm, including weekends
, except holidays. Please call before coming so I'll be here waiting for
your arrival. E-mail:
pullingtractor@aol.com.
Directions to our shop |
1501 West Old Plank Road, Columbia, MO - Google Maps or
Map of 1501 West Old Plank
Road, Columbia, MO by MapQuest. If you're the kind of person who
don't trust delivery/shipping companies (mis)handling your high-dollar and
fragile merchandise, you can always make the
long drive to A-1 Miller's shop
to personally drop off and/or pick up your engine, transaxle, tractor, etc.
"The road to a friend's house (or shop) is never long."
To place an order, please call the number below Ê or send an email with your name, complete and correct postal address and phone number and so I can figure the total with shipping cost and USPS Tracking. For payment options for parts ordered or services performed, or to make a donation to my websites, I accept cash (in person), USPS Postal Money Orders, cashier's checks, business checks, MasterCard, VISA, Discover, American Express (please add 2.5% to the total for the credit/debit card processor's surcharge), Western Union Money Transfer, MoneyGram Money Transfers or Popmoney. (If a part for a specific purpose is special ordered, your debit/credit card may be charged for the full amount or as a deposit right after your order is placed; please do not send your debit/credit card information in email!) Or you can pay me through PayPal. (My PayPal account name is my email address. And be sure to mention in PayPal a description of what the payment is for.) If sending a money order, please include a note in the envelope with your name, complete and correct postal address, phone number and a description of what the payment is for. My mailing address and phone number are below Ê . I'll make a note of your order, and I may have to order some of the parts, which should take a few days to come in, but I will send the parts to you as soon as I have everything in stock after I receive your payment.
IMPORTANT - When sending your part(s) to me for rebuilding or repair, package everything securely so the item(s) won't get damaged in shipping and please include a note in the box with your name, mailing address, phone number (in case I have any questions) and a description of what you want done. When shipping heavy parts, it's best to put a slightly smaller box inside a larger box, to double the strength and integrity of the package. Because the clumsy "gorillas" or incompetent and uncaring workers that work for certain delivery services mishandle the heavy packages and don't care. And when the work is completed, I'll either call or email you an invoice with the total including shipping & handling.
To figure the shipping cost, I weigh the package with the parts, then I go online to the USPS Postage Rate Calculator website. I type in the weight, my zip code and your zip code, then it shows me the prices for various ways to ship the package. I always choose US Postal Service because I believe that's the most fastest, economical and reliable method.
Shipping: (United States and it's territories)
To save you shipping charges, item(s) in a package or cushioned envelope
weighing less than 13 oz. is sent by First Class Mail for a 2-6 day delivery.
Most packaged item(s) weighing over 13 oz. is sent by US Priority Mail for
a 2-3 day delivery. To save you even more on shipping heavy items, I always
try to use the US Postal Services' Flat Rate Priority Mail envelope and boxes
(if the item(s) can fit inside the envelope or boxes). Some heavy items weighing
no more than 70 lbs. is sent by US Mail Parcel Post. Item(s) weighing over
70 lbs. is sent by FedEx Ground. Again, if you're the kind of person who
don't trust delivery/shipping companies (mis)handling your high-dollar and
fragile merchandise, you can always make the
long drive to A-1 Miller's shop
to personally drop off and/or pick up your engine, transaxle, tractor, etc.
We Ship to Canada and Worldwide 
-
Item(s) in a package or cushioned envelope weighing less than 1 lb. is sent
by US Postal Service Airmail Letter Post for a 4-7 days delivery. Packaged
item(s) weighing over 1 lb. and up to 66 lb. is sent by US Postal Service
Airmail Parcel Post for a 4-10 days delivery. I cannot use the US Postal
Services' Flat Rate Priority Mail envelopes and boxes to ship outside U.S.
territories. Item(s) weighing over 67 lbs. or more is sent by FedEx Ground
or equivalent services.
(When placing an order through PayPal, please provide a list of which
parts you need.)
To make a payment to me through PayPal, go to PayPal's secure website ( https://www.paypal.com/ ) and click on Send and Request -> Pay for goods or services. Type in my email address, or copy and paste this: pullingtractor@aol.com, the amount and follow the directions. Be sure to mention in PayPal a description of what the payment is for. After you've finished, PayPal will send me an email notifying me that you have made a payment to me for the product(s) or services and amount entered. Then I go to their website and direct PayPal to deposit the money in my bank account. And I will send the parts to you as soon as I receive your payment. But I may have to order some of the parts if they're not in stock, which should take a few days. In that case, I will send you the parts as soon as they come in. PayPal protects your financial privacy and security. With PayPal, privacy is built in. It's a way for you to pay without exposing their financial information.
Coming Soon - Detailed
Illustrated Plans on How to Construct a Professional Pull-Back Garden Tractor
Pulling Sled, and a Motorized/Self-Propelled Garden Tractor Pulling
Sled. FYI - My professionally-built
motorized/self-propelled pulling sled, Track Master (click the picture to
the right to see a larger image of my sled), is the only one I've ever built
and I got it right the first time, with very few changes that had to be made
to it. I guess I'm just one of those kind of guys that knows what he's doing.
Pullers really like pulling my sled, too. They say it's the best sled they've
ever pulled. (Not bragging, just stating the truth.) By the way - Track Master
sled is engineered so well (by Brian Miller), other sled owners/builders
have copied my well thought-out and proven design. I have lots of work to
do in my shop and I work on the plans in my spare time. As soon as the plans
are perfected, I'll post the update in my websites. Remember - Perfection
takes time. If it's worth having, it's worth waiting for. Also, I plan to
acquire a bigger shop and I may build high quality garden tractor pulling
sleds in the future to offer for sale. Please call me at 573-256-0313 (shop)
or 573-881-7229 (cell), or email me at
pullingtractor@aol.com or
pullingtractor@yahoo.com if
you're interested. - Brian Miller
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